SC has imposed stricter domestic violence legislations, but advocates are seeking more

LOWCOUNTRY, S.C. (WCIV) — Orders of protection and domestic violence legislation have changed in South Carolina, but some believe the state has a long way to go.

Ninth Circuit Assistant Solicitor Jessica Baldwin says she's seen some domestic violence cases increase in her time with the Lowcountry office.

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"The more security they can get with an order of protection, the safer they'll feel," Baldwin said. "It is a hard situation to be in. It's somebody that they care about, they built a relationship with, they may be financially dependent on, and oftentimes have children with."

Baldwin has also seen the domestic violence laws change - first in 2005 and most recently in 2015.

All penalties were increased, all the elements were changed," she said. "They also added on other protections, such as a permanent restraining order that victims or witnesses can get in domestic violence cases and other cases where that person could fear psychological or emotional harm."

Just this year, an appeals court ruled children can be now included in orders of protection. Baldwin says that was a clarification, not a law change.

"I think that the court wanted to clarify that children can get order of protection through the family court," she said. "They don't have to be a household member in the traditional sense, as per our domestic violence statute or our order of protection statute."

Baldwin says her team has to work with victims to make sure they understand how orders of protection and restraining orders work.

"Victims will ask what (to) do," Baldwin said. "They can walk through the piece of paper. We tell them to document it and call the police if they are ever fearful."

Many advocates feel stricter legislation is needed.

Read more:SC Court ruling allows children to be included on orders of protection

"I wish there were stricter laws around gun violence," said Tosha Connors, the CEO of My Sisters House. "If you're a felon not supposed to have a gun and you commit a domestic violence crime, (I wish) somebody actually comes and takes your gun away from you."

Baldwin says the challenge on the prosecution's side is victim cooperation.

"They have a dependency," she said. "They love the person and don't want that person to necessarily be punished. Everybody thinks this person is going to go to jail right away and be taken away from them and their children."

Baldwin hopes for more protection for victims and partnerships with advocates will help victims understand they are not alone.

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"We've still got a ways to go," Baldwin said. "I think a lot of places do. But we're working hard on it."

A 2020 report from the Violence Policy Center shows South Carolina moved from sixth to 23rd in the nation for the rate of women murdered by men.

There are some hotlines for people experiencing domestic violence. The 24-hour crisis line for My Sisters House is 1-800-273-4673. The Dee Norton Crisis Line is (843) 723-3600 and (888) 227-3487.